Capturing Edem's Soul
"Remember, there is always more than one way to tell a story." —Edem K. Garro
Edem Garro's motto for her African-inspired Edem Soul Music is "encouraging and empowering the world through music, art and theatrical performances."
Garro is a first generation Ghanaian-American composer, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and motivational speaker from Omaha, Nebraska and will perform at the Red Cloud Opera House on December 7! The arts permeate her life and talents and her African heritage remains the core foundation of her music.
We recently interviewed her ahead of her performance.
Describe how you've been musically inspired throughout your life?
Since I was a little girl, I’ve always been fascinated by the ways that humans connect to music. We listen to it when we are happy, sad or wanting something more. For me, listening to Whitney Houston, Selena and the various music collections my parents had, really helped to broaden my scope of what good music was. From then on, I became inspired by the wind, the rain, the way the world would move, and even our solar system. My inspirations come from the life I’ve lived, what I wish to see for humanity, and what I hope to see in the world.
What is the "Soul" in Edem Soul Music?
While my name is Edem, the ‘Soul’ in "Edem Soul Music" speaks to that part that I believe we were all imbued with. In my culture we have an understanding that God placed a soul or a spirit in every living thing, and because of this everything has a purpose. Soul is a reference to a place. A place where the deepest parts of my music flow out of me. It’s a place that transcends the physical, reminding us of who we are honestly, and that we are of something more.
What song did you write for the Lincoln car contest? May we hear it/link to it?
For this competition, I wrote the song "What Drives You." You can hear it on all streaming platforms, my website at EdemSoulMusic.com or on Soundlcoud. The song features harp, vocals and speaks to such a magical time.
Tell us more about Ga language and culture and how it has inspired your own musical voice?
So my heritage is Ghanaian-American, and Ga comes from the Ga tribe of Ghana. I’ve been surrounded by this language since before I was born. To me, speaking in Ga was just like swimming in water. When I started my journey as a professional musician, I was purely improvisational, and found over time that singing in my language felt even more freeing.
I sing in Ga, also, to show that you can listen to something you don’t understand and find the beauty in it.
It challenges the listener to become fully connected, mind, body and soul to their existence, and to what they are listening to—and hearing sound called music for what it truly is. Also, Ga is such an expressive language.
What is your favorite instrument to play?
Wow, If I had to pick one instrument, I’d be here all day! Haha, so I will pick a few from my collection. The harp has got to be one of my favorites, as well as the djembe, ukulele and Native American flute. They bring a calmness every time I play them. How can you ever be sad while playing the ukulele? How can you ever be mad when playing the harp? How can you ever be upset while playing the Native American flute? The answer is you can, but it is the instruments themselves that help to heal you, and take you to a better place. This is why I don’t just have one favorite instrument.
Your musical style is very eclectic: do you have a favorite genre of music?
Now remember, I grew up listening to everything and so I listen to everything. But if I had to have a favorite, it would definitely be 70s & 90s era & 70s disco. ABBA, Earth Wind & Fire, Boney M: that era was such a great time for music; it made you move, groove and feel something all at the same time.
Anything else you'd like to add about your performance here on December 7 at the Red Cloud Opera House?
I am excited to come back and perform in Red Cloud. I remember performing in Red Cloud outdoors years ago(at the Starke Round Barn), on one of the hottest days of the year. Fortunately, I am coming back again, and this time it will be at the Opera House! I’m excited to share stories and songs with the people of Red Cloud, and excited to spend an unforgettable evening with everyone. I’ll be joined by Kendall Wooden on drums, and Collin Smith on Guitar. I can’t wait to perform for you all!